Rules/Regulations & Applications

PARADE RULES

  1. Strict safety precautions and the adherence of these Rules must be observed by all entries. Failure to abide by these may result in an entry being removed from participating in the event. Violations during the parade will result in an attempt to address the issue so that we may promote the safety and welfare of the public. If there is a failure to comply, future participation will be up for review.
  2. Only those with approved applications or invitations will be allowed to participate in the parade. Under no circumstance will bystanders be allowed to join the parade along its route.
  3. Any entries sponsored by advocating for or depicting any political, social, economic, or other controversial groups or issues are NOT permitted. This includes any social welfare organizations involved in political or other lobbying, either directly or indirectly. This is subject to the sole and exclusive review of the Parade Coordinator.
  4. Any entries depicting violence, discrimination, or deemed to not be aligned with the values of the Festival principles will be asked to not participate by the Parade Coordinator for their designee.
  5. Only seated official governmental representatives are permitted in the parade and are by invitation only, these entries are limited to no more than two (2) will be allowed to ride in the vehicle. NO CAMPAIGNING OR EXTRA SIGNAGE IS ALLOWED. Any special accommodations will be discussed and organized with the Parade Coordinator or Festival President prior to parades.
  6. The Blossomtime Festival Grand Floral Parade does not accept applications from outside pageant organizations (i.e. Miss America, Miss’s, Mrs.’s or the like). We accept all applications from other festivals and chambers. Any exception to this rule is only by invitation of the President of the Festival.
  7. ALL PYROTECHNICS ARE PROHIBITED ON THE PARADE ROUTE, IN PARADE MARSHALING OR DE-MARSHALING AREAS.
  8. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE, IN PARADE MARSHALING OR DE-MARSHALING AREAS.
  9. Absolutely no water will be sprayed, splashed, or thrown into the crowd. A single incident of this may result in confiscation of the item or removal of the entry from the route.

Grand Floral Parade Float Awards

Grand Prize

For outstanding float concept and artistic For the Most Outstanding float. Concept and artistic merit of: Theme, Color, Animation, Beauty, and Floral Display are breathtaking. Winner of this award receives a $1000 cash prize award.

President’s Award

For the 2nd Most Outstanding float in overall points. Concept and artistic merit of: Theme, Color, Animation, Beauty and Floral Display. Winner of this award receives a $750 cash prize award.

Board of Director’s Award

For the 3rd Most Outstanding float in overall points. Concept and artistic merit of: Theme, Color, Animation, Beauty, and Floral Display. Winner of this award receives a $500 cash prize award

Mayor’s Award

For the float exhibiting excellence in presenting their community theme in relation to the Festival theme. Overall detail and creativity with the theme. Winner receives a $150 credit for petal paper
purchases

Queen’s Award

For the float exhibiting excellence in overall beauty and dramatic Impact. Proportion, scale, and overall, visually appealing. Winner receives a $150 credit for petal paper purchases

Twin Cities Award

For the float exhibiting an abundant use of floral craftsmanship with both live and artificial (of any material) flowers. Winner receives a $150 credit for petal paper purchases

Chairman’s Award

For the float exhibiting excellence in creativity and impressive use of Animation and Movement – both Live and Mechanical. Winner receives a $150 credit for petal paper purchases.

Parade Committee’s Award

For the float exhibiting excellence in the presentation and use of Color and Color Harmony. Winner receives a $150 credit for petal paper purchases

King’s Award – Tow Unit

For the tow unit exhibiting excellence in the presentation and use of color and overall harmony.

Non-Franchise Float Award

For the Most Outstanding float. Concept and artistic merit of: Theme, Color, Animation, Beauty, and Floral Display are breathtaking. Winner of this award receives a $400 cash prize.

Float Awards Additional Information

The Top Three Float Awards – Sweepstakes Award receives a $1000 cash prize, President’s Award a $750 cash prize, and the Board of Director’s Award a $500 cash prize.

A credit prize to be used exclusively towards future petal paper purchases from the Blossomtime Festival for all other award winners.

  • Please accommodate the Judges when they arrive at your float by having all the components of your float ready with music turned on and float animation engaged.
  • Float award banners will be presented prior to the unit entering the Parade route. Banners and banner carriers will be provided by the Blossomtime Festival, to march in front of your unit announcing your award to the media as well as the spectators along the route.

NO DUPLICATE AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN